Direct drive rack &amp; pinion lift mechanism for refrigerated storage bin

ABSTRACT

A refrigerator is provided including a refrigerator compartment having a bin door. A storage bin is positioned within the refrigerator compartment. A lift mechanism is positioned within the refrigerator compartment. The lift mechanism includes a lifting device that supports the storage bin. The lifting mechanism further includes a gear system that assists in raising and lowering the storage bin. The gear system includes a motor and one or more gears. The motor rotates the one or more gears, causing the one or more gears to apply a vertical force to the storage bin. This vertical force raises and lowers the storage bin.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to refrigerators, and moreparticularly, to refrigerators with a lift mechanism for lifting astorage bin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional refrigerators have been designed with two refrigeratorcompartments positioned in various ways. For example, it is known toprovide one refrigerator compartment above another refrigeratorcompartment. A lower storage compartment can include a storage bin.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some example aspects. This summary is not an extensiveoverview of the invention. Moreover, this summary is not intended toidentify critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope ofthe invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present someconcepts in simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented later.

In accordance with one aspect, a refrigerator is provided comprising arefrigerator compartment, a storage bin positioned within therefrigerator compartment, and a lift mechanism positioned within therefrigerator compartment. The lift mechanism includes a lifting deviceconfigured to support the storage bin, a guide track configured to beoperatively attached to the lifting device, and a gear engaging theguide track, wherein rotation of the gear is configured to move thestorage bin.

In accordance with another aspect, a refrigerator is provided comprisinga refrigerator compartment including a bin door, a storage binpositioned within the refrigerator compartment, a lift mechanismpositioned within the refrigerator compartment. The lift mechanismincludes a guide track, a gear engaging the guide track and a drive unitcoupled to the gear, wherein movement of the gear is configured to raiseand lower the storage bin. A control system is further providedoperatively connected to the drive unit, wherein the control system isconfigured to selectively control raising and lowering of the storagebin.

In accordance with another aspect, a refrigerator is provided comprisinga refrigerator compartment including a bin door, a storage binpositioned within the refrigerator compartment, and a lift mechanismpositioned within the refrigerator compartment. The lift mechanismincludes a lifting device configured to support the storage bin, anattachment structure configured to be supported by the bin door, thelifting device configured to be movably supported by the attachmentstructure, and a gear system configured to move the storage bin alongthe attachment structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which the present inventionrelates upon reading the following description with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bottom-mount refrigerator freezerincluding a lower compartment;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a lift mechanism in the lowercompartment;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the lift mechanism in the lowercompartment in which a storage bin has been removed;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front view of a bin support structure in thelower compartment;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the lift mechanism with the storagebin in a lowered position;

FIG. 6 is another side perspective view of the lift mechanism with thestorage bin in a raised position;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the storage bin movement control system;and

FIG. 8 is a front view of a user interface for the storage bin movementcontrol system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the presentinvention are described and illustrated in the drawings. Theseillustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the presentinvention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention canbe utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices.Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and isnot to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further,in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed fordesignating the same elements.

Referring to the example of FIG. 1, a refrigerator 10 is shown with tworefrigerator compartments. The refrigerator 10 may include an uppercompartment 14 and a lower compartment 12. The upper compartment 14 caninclude one or more refrigerator doors 16 that provide access to aninterior portion of the upper compartment 14. While not shown in theexample, the refrigerator 10 can also include a cooling system with acompressor, heat-exchange pipes, an expansion valve, refrigerant, etc.in order to cool the refrigerator compartments.

While FIG. 1 illustrates a two compartment refrigerator, therefrigerator 10 can also include a single compartment or more than twocompartments. Moreover, if provided with two or more compartments, oneor more compartments may by positioned above the other and/or laterallywith respect to one another. Still further, one compartment may belocated partially or entirely within another compartment. Similarly,either one or both compartments may be maintained at a temperature aboveor below freezing providing for two freezers, two refrigerators, or onefreezer and one refrigerator. In the shown examples, the lowercompartment 12 may be kept at a temperature below freezing, such thatthe lower compartment 12 is functionally a freezer compartment.

The refrigerator 10 can include a bin door 20 that covers the lowercompartment 12. The bin door 20 can include a handle, or the like, toallow a user to open and close the bin door 20. The bin door 20 can beattached to and supported by a sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanismcan include at least one slide, though, in the shown example, there aretwo slides 22. The slides 22 can extendably move the bin door 20 betweenan open position and closed position. Accordingly, the slides 22 canmove the bin door 20 back and forth into and out of the lowercompartment 12. The slides 22 can include a first slide and a secondslide, such that each slide can be provided on one side of the bin door20.

In one example, the slides 22 may include drawer slides having an innerrail 24 and an outer bracket 26. The inner rail 24 may be slidinglyreceived within the outer bracket 26. The slides 22 may be attached tothe bin door 20 and lower compartment 12 at opposing ends, such that theouter bracket 26 can be attached within the lower compartment 12 whilethe inner rail 24 can be attached to the bin door 20. It is to beunderstood, however, that various configurations of the slides 22 areenvisioned, and the present example is not limited to the inner rail 24and outer bracket 26. For instance, in another example, the outerbracket 26 could be slidingly received within the inner rail 24. Assuch, any suitable mechanism can be provided that functions by allowingthe bin door 20 to slide into and out of the lower compartment 12.

The refrigerator 10 can further include a storage bin 18. The storagebin 18 can be positioned within the lower compartment 12 and can storeitems, such as food products, drinks, baskets, and the like within thelower compartment 12. The storage bin 18 can include a variety ofdifferent structures that function to hold items. For instance, in FIG.1, the storage bin 18 is shown to be a substantially solid bin with fewholes. In another example, shown in FIG. 2, the storage bin 18 caninclude a wire basket. The storage bin 18 may be positioned within thelower compartment 12 between the slides 22. Accordingly, when the bindoor 20 is withdrawn into an open position as shown in FIG. 1, thestorage bin 18 can move out of the lower compartment 12 along with thebin door 20 by the slides 22. Accordingly, when the bin door 20 is movedinto the closed position, the slides 22 can slide the bin door closedsuch that the storage bin 18 moves into the lower compartment 12. Withthe slides 22 attached to the bin door at one end, the storage bin 18can rest on the slides 22 and be readily removed.

The storage bin 18 may have various configurations to fit within thelower compartment 12. In one example, the storage bin 18 can have agenerally rectangular box shape, open on the top to provide access tothe storage area defined by the bin. The storage bin 18 may be formed ofmetal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The storage bin 18 mayalso include one or more lights 29 that illuminate the contents of thestorage bin 18. The lights 29 can be mounted on the front side of thestorage bin 18 to illuminate the storage bin 18 and its contents withoutbeing directly visible to the user. It is to be understood, however,that the lights 29 can be positioned on any, or all of the sides of thestorage bin 18. For instance, the lights 29 can be positioned on a sideand/or rear of the storage bin 18. Similarly, the lights 29 could bepositioned on the bin door 20 or within the lower compartment 12.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a lift mechanism 32 can be provided. The liftmechanism 32 can assist in lifting the storage bin 18 from a lowerposition to an upper position and/or from an upper position back to alower position. The distance of travel between the lower and upperpositions may vary for different refrigerator designs. For example, thedistance of travel may be from about 5 to 15 inches, or from about 8 to10 inches. The lift mechanism 32 may rapidly move the storage bin 18between the lower and upper positions and vice versa. For example, thelift mechanism 32 may move between the lower position and the upperposition in less than 10 seconds, or in less than 5 seconds. As will bediscussed below, lifting or lowering of the storage bin 18 by the liftmechanism 32 may occur automatically upon withdrawing or replacing thestorage bin 18 from the lower compartment 12, or it may occur when asignal is provided by the user to raise or lower the storage bin 18.Raising the storage bin 18 may provide easier access to an interiorportion of the storage bin 18.

The lift mechanism 32 can include a bin mounting structure 34. The binmounting structure 34 can include a substantially planar metal surfaceprovided on a rear portion of the bin door 20. The bin mountingstructure 34 can be attached to the bin door 20, such that the binmounting structure 34 moves with the bin door 20 into and out of thelower compartment 12. Alternatively, the bin mounting structure 34 canbe included as part of the bin door 20, such that a front surface of thebin mounting structure 34 constitutes the front face of the bin door 20.As will be described below, the bin mounting structure 34 can support avariety of structures.

The lift mechanism 32 can further include a lifting device 36. Thelifting device 36 can be provided to raise and lower the storage bin 18.The lifting device 36 can extend in a direction parallel to a surface ofthe bin mounting structure 34 within the lower compartment 12. Thelifting device 36 is shown as a substantially planar structure withmultiple cutouts, however, a number of structures are contemplated. Forinstance, the lifting device 36 could include a substantially planarstructure without any cutouts. Similarly, the lifting device 36 couldtake a number of shapes and sizes, and is not limited to the structureshown in FIG. 2. The lifting device 36 can be spaced a distance apartfrom the bin mounting structure 34, such that a variety of structurescan be positioned between the lifting device 36 and the bin mountingstructure 34.

The lifting device 36 can include one or more gripping structures 39.The gripping structures 39 are shown to be hooks, though different typesof structures are contemplated. The gripping structures 39 can protrudefrom the lifting device 36 towards the storage bin 18. The grippingstructures 39 can be formed integrally with the lifting device 36 or, inthe alternative, can be attached separately to the lifting device 36.The gripping structures 39 can removably engage the storage bin 18 in anumber of ways. For instance, in the shown example, the grippingstructures 39 can engage and grip wires of the storage bin 18. Infurther examples, however, the gripping structures 39 can attach to thestorage bin 18 by a snap fit means, by a nut and bolt attachment, by agripping attachment, or the like. Similarly, the gripping structures 39can attach to the storage bin 18 at a variety of locations. In the shownexample, the gripping structures 39 attach to a top front portion of thestorage bin 18. In further examples, however, the gripping structures 39could be attached at the top, bottom, center, sides, etc. of the storagebin 18. Accordingly, as the lifting device 36 moves, the grippingstructures 39 can correspondingly grip the storage bin 18 and cause thestorage bin 18 to move as well. While the shown example includes fourgripping structures 39, it is to be understood that more than four orfewer than four gripping structures are contemplated.

The lifting device 36 can further include one or more connectingportions 40. The connecting portions 40 can movably attach the liftingdevice 36 to the bin mounting structure 34 and bin door 20. Theconnecting portions 40 can be positioned at opposing side edges of thelifting device 36 and can extend vertically along the opposing sideedges. The shown example of FIG. 2 includes two connecting portions thatare each substantially L-shaped portions that project away from thestorage bin 18 and outwardly away from the lifting device 36. As will bedescribed in more detail below, each of the connecting portions 40 canmovably attach the storage bin 18 to the bin mounting structure 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the lift mechanism 32 can furtherinclude a first attachment structure 49. The first attachment structure49 can be attached to the bin mounting structure 34. The firstattachment structure 49 can support the lifting device 36. The firstattachment structure 49 can include one or more support brackets 50. Inthe shown example, two support brackets are included; however, more thantwo support brackets are contemplated. The support brackets 50 can beattached to the bin mounting structure 34 in a number of ways. Forinstance, a center portion of the support brackets 50 can be attached bya nut and bolt attachment, a snap fit means attachment, an adhesiveattachment, etc. The support brackets 50 can be positioned on opposingsides of the bin mounting structure 34 such that a gap extends betweenthe support brackets 50.

The support brackets 50 can each include two outwardly projecting walls53 extending from the support brackets 50. The outwardly projectingwalls 53 can be formed integrally as part of the support brackets 50 or,in the alternative, can be attached to the support brackets 50 asseparate structures. The outwardly projecting walls 53 are triangularlyshaped in the shown examples; however a number of sizes and shapes arecontemplated. The outwardly projecting walls 53 can be spaced apart todefine a recess 57 extending between the outwardly projecting walls 53within the support brackets 50. The recess 57 can be wide enough toaccommodate a number of different structures.

Each of the outwardly projecting walls 53 of the support brackets 50 caninclude one or more openings. As shown in FIG. 3, the outwardlyprojecting walls 53 can include an opening 52. The opening 52 can extendcompletely through the outwardly projecting walls 53 to the recess. Theopening 52 can define a path through which screws, rods, or the like canpass through. Each of the outwardly projecting walls 53 of the supportbrackets 50 can further include a second opening 56. The second opening56 can extend completely through the outwardly projecting walls 53 tothe recess 57.

The lift mechanism 32 can further include one or more guiding structures55. One guiding structure 55 can be provided for each support bracket50. The guiding structure 55 can be attached to the support bracketthrough the second opening 56. As such, the second opening 56 can definea path through which a guiding structure 55 can be attached. The guidingstructure 55 is shown to include a wheel in FIG. 3, though a variety ofstructures can be included. The guiding structure 55 can be spaced adistance from the center portion of the support brackets 50. As such, agap can be provided between the center portion and the guiding structure55. As will be explained in more detail below, the guiding structure 55can assist in attaching the lifting device 36 to the bin mountingstructure 34.

The guiding structure 55 can be attached to the second opening 56 in anumber of ways. In one example, the guiding structure 55 can be attachedby a shaft passing through the guiding structure 55 and attaching to thesecond opening 56. In such an example, the guiding structure 55 could bemovable, such as rotatable, with respect to the shaft and/or withrespect to the outwardly projecting wall 53. It is to be understood,however, that a variety of attachment means are contemplated to allowthe guiding structure 55 to rotatably attach to the second opening 56.Furthermore, in the shown example, the guiding structure 55 can berotatably attached to the outwardly projecting walls 53. Specifically,the guiding structure 55 can be rotatably attached to an inner portionof the outwardly projecting wall 53, such that the guiding structure 55is positioned within the recess 57.

The attachment of the lifting device 36 to the support brackets 50 cannow be explained. As described above, the lifting device 36 can includethe connecting portions 40 (shown in FIG. 2) positioned at opposingsides of the lifting device 36. Each of the connecting portions 40 canbe positioned within the recess 57 of the support brackets 50.Specifically, the connecting portions 40 can be positioned between theguiding structure 55 and a center portion of the support brackets 50. Assuch, the connecting portions 40 can be in contact with and inengagement with the guiding structures 55. The guiding structures 55 canbias the connecting portions 40 towards the bin mounting structure 34.

The guiding structures 55 can rotate with respect to the supportbrackets 50. Accordingly, as the guiding structures 55 rotate, theguiding structures 55 can contact the connecting portions 40. Theguiding structures 55 thus support the connecting portions 40 andlifting device 36 by allowing the connecting portions 40 to moveupwardly and downwardly with the lifting device 36. The guidingstructures 55 can be made of rubber, or the like, such that slippagebetween the guiding structures 55 and connecting portions 40 can bereduced. Accordingly, when the connecting portions 40 move, the guidingstructures 55 can rotate. As will be described in more detail below, thelifting device 36 can be biased in a direction away from the binmounting structure 34 and towards the guiding structure 55. As such, theconnecting portions 40 will be pushed and held in contact with theguiding structures 55, thus reducing the risk of the connecting portions40 from becoming disengaged.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the lift mechanism 32 is shown with the storagebin 18 removed. The lift mechanism 32 can include an attachmentstructure 65. The attachment structure 65 can further assist inattaching the lifting device 36 to the bin mounting structure 34. Theattachment structure 65 can be operatively attached to both the liftingdevice 36 (FIG. 2) and to the bin mounting structure 34.

The attachment structure 65 can include a guide bracket 66. The guidebracket 66 can be attached to the bin mounting structure 34 and canextend from a lower portion of the bin mounting structure 34 to an upperportion of the bin mounting structure 34. The guide bracket 66 is shownto be an elongated, linear structure, however a number of variations arecontemplated. For instance, the guide bracket 66 is shown to bepositioned near the center of the bin mounting structure 34. However,the guide bracket 66 can be offset, such as to a side of the center.Similarly, the guide bracket 66 is shown to extend nearly completelyfrom the bottom to the top of the bin mounting structure 34. In otherexamples, the guide bracket 66 could extend partially between the bottomand top of the bin mounting structure 34, such as ¾, ⅔ or halfway.

The guide bracket 66 can be attached to the bin mounting structure 34 byone or more fastening structures 69. In the shown example, the fasteningstructures 69 project outwardly from the sides of the guide bracket 66.In such an example, the fastening structures 69 could be attached to thebin mounting structure with a number of different structures, includingscrews, snap fit means, adhesives, etc. Similarly, the fasteningstructures 69 can be formed integrally with the guide bracket 66 or, inthe alternative, could be attached separately to the guide bracket 66.In the shown example, eight fastening structures are provided, with fourfastening structures positioned on each side of the guide bracket 66.However, more or fewer fastening structures are contemplated. Similarly,in further examples, the guide bracket 66 could be attached to the binmounting structure 34 without the fastening structures 69 projectingfrom the sides of the guide bracket 66. For instance, in furtherexamples, the fastening structures 69 could include one or more screws,snap fit means, adhesives, or the like to attach the guide bracket 66 tothe bin mounting structure 34. In such an example, the screw could passthrough the guide bracket 66 and through the bin mounting structure 34to provide attachment.

The attachment structure 65 can further include a guide attachment 67.The guide attachment 67 can be attached to the guide bracket 66 or, inthe alternative, could be formed integrally with the guide bracket 66.The guide attachment 67 can project outwardly from the guide bracket 66towards the lifting device 36. In the shown example, the guideattachment 67 can form a substantially T-shaped structure. However, avariety of shapes of the guide attachment 67 are contemplated. The guideattachment 67 can define a substantially flat, planar face that facesthe lifting device 36. The guide attachment 67 can be substantiallysimilar in length to the guide bracket 66. As such, the guide attachment67 can extend from a lower portion of the bin mounting structure 34 toan upper portion of the bin mounting structure 34. However, the guideattachment 67 could be longer or shorter in length, depending on theapplication. The guide attachment 67 can be attached to the guidebracket 66 in a number of ways. For instance, the guide attachment 67could be attached to the guide bracket 66 by screws, a snap fit means,adhesives, etc.

The attachment structure 65 can further include one or more engagingbrackets 68. In the shown example, there are three engaging brackets 68,however, more or fewer are contemplated. The engaging brackets 68 can beattached to the lifting device 36 (FIG. 2) on one side and to the guideattachment 67 on an opposite side. Specifically, the engaging brackets68 can be attached to a rear surface of the lifting device 36 (shown inFIG. 4). The engaging brackets 68 can be fixedly attached to the liftingdevice 36, such that little or no motion will occur between the engagingbrackets 68 and the lifting device 36. Thus, the engaging brackets 68can move with respect to the guide attachment 67. Specifically, theengaging brackets 68 can slide along the guide attachment 67 in anupwards and downwards direction. The engaging brackets 68 can include agripping portion that is shaped to grip the guide attachment 67. Thegripping portion of each of the engaging brackets 68 can include asubstantially C-shaped recess that is sized and shaped to receive andengage the guide attachment 67. Accordingly, the engagement between theengaging brackets 68 and the guide attachment 67 is designed to preventthe engaging brackets 68 from becoming disengaged from the guideattachment 67. The attachment between the engaging brackets 68 and theguide attachment 67 can have a reduced friction, such that the engagingbrackets 68 can move along the guide attachment 67 with reducedresistance.

The lift mechanism 32 can further include a gear system 63. The gearsystem 63 can provide motion to the storage bin 18, including verticalor substantially vertical motion. The gear system 63 can be operativelyattached either directly to the bin mounting structure 34, as shown inthe drawings, or can be operatively attached to the bin mountingstructure 34 through a door bracket 64.

The gear system 63 can include a first drive unit 28. The first driveunit 28 can provide a force to move the storage bin 18 between a raisedposition and a lowered position. In the shown example, the force caninclude a horizontal or substantially horizontal rotational output. Tomove the storage bin 18, the first drive unit 28 can include a motor 42.The motor 42 can include nearly any type of AC or DC motor that is knownin the art, and is not limited to the example motor shown in theexample. For instance, the motor 42 can include a servomotor,electrostatic motor, torque motor, stepper motor, etc. The motor 42 caninclude wires (not shown) for delivering power to the motor 42.Similarly, the speed and torque requirements for the motor 42 can bechosen to accommodate the predetermined weight of the storage bin 18 andlifting speed. The motor 42 can provide output in multiple directions,such as a first direction of rotation and a second direction ofrotation, such that a lifting output and a lowering output can beprovided.

The motor 42 can be attached to the rear of the bin mounting structure34. The motor 42 can be attached in a number of ways. For instance, inthe shown example, the motor 42 can be attached to the bin mountingstructure 34 with a bracket 38. The bracket 38 can extend around themotor 42 and can be bolted to the bin mounting structure 34 to hold themotor 42 in place. However, other attachment means are contemplated,such as multiple brackets, a snap fit attachment, adhesives, the motor42 fitting into a groove, aperture, or the like in the bin mountingstructure 34, etc. Similarly, the motor 42 is shown to be positioned ina horizontal orientation on the left hand side of the bin mountingstructure 34. However, the motor 42 can be positioned in a number oflocations, such as on the right hand side, the lower right hand side,etc.

The motor 42 can be operatively attached to an intermediate gearstructure 41 for providing output from the motor 42 to raise and lowerthe storage bin 18. The intermediate gear structure 41 can include anoutput gear 44 and an engaging gear 45. The output gear 44 can beattached to an output shaft of the motor 42. Rotational output from themotor 42 can be transmitted through the output shaft and to the outputgear 44. Accordingly, the motor 42 can cause the output gear 44 torotate. The output gear 44 can be formed integrally as part of theoutput shaft of the motor 42, or can be attached to the output shaft ina number of ways. For instance, the output gear 44 can be attached by afixing device 59. The fixing device 59 can be attached to the outputgear 44 with the output shaft extending through and attached to thefixing device 59. Additionally, the output gear 44 can include a varyingrange of gear radii and a varying size and number of gear teeth.Accordingly, the output gear 44 in the shown example is not intended tolimit the size, shape, or structure of the output gear 44.

The intermediate gear structure 41 further includes the engaging gear45. The engaging gear 45 can engage and mesh with the output gear 44.Specifically, the engaging gear 45 can include a plurality of gearteeth. The engaging gear 45 can be positioned in a sufficiently closeproximity to the output gear 44 such that the teeth of the output gear44 can engage with the teeth of the engaging gear 45. As such, rotationof the output gear 44 can cause the engaging gear 45 to rotate as well.As with the output gear 44, the engaging gear 45 is not limited to thestructure in the shown example, and a varying range of gear radii andgear teeth size are contemplated. As such, the size of the output gear44 and engaging gear 45 can be varied to change the gear ratio betweenthe output gear 44 and the engaging gear 45. For instance, an outputgear 44 with a larger radius can produce more rotations of the engaginggear 45 and vice versa. Similarly, an output gear 44 with a smallerradius can produce fewer rotations of the engaging gear 45.

The gear system 63 can further include a connection link 48. Theconnection link 48 can extend laterally across the bin mountingstructure 34 from one side of the bin mounting structure 34 to anopposing side. The connection link 48 can be attached to the engaginggear 45 such as by passing through a center portion of the engaging gear45. It is to be understood, however, that the connection link 48 can beattached to the engaging gear 45 in a number of ways. For instance, theconnection link 48 can be attached to a fixing device 59 (shown in FIG.4). As with the output gear 44, the engaging gear 45 can further includea fixing device 59 to attach the engaging gear 45 to the connection link48. The fixing device 59 can be attached to the engaging gear 45 withthe connection link 48 extending through and attached to the fixingdevice 59. The connection link 48 can be fixedly attached to theengaging gear 45 such that rotation of the engaging gear 45 can causethe connection link 48 to rotate as well. As such, when the output gear44 rotates and causes the engaging gear 45 to rotate as well, theconnection link 48 can also rotate due to the attachment between theconnection link 48 and the engaging gear 45.

The gear system 63 can further include one or more motion gears 61. Themotion gears 61 can be attached to the connection link 48 such thatrotation of the connection link 48 causes the motion gears 61 to rotate.The motion gears 61 are shown to be attached at opposing ends of theconnection link 48. However, the motion gears 61 can be attached at avariety of positions along the length of the connection link 48. Theconnection link 48 can be attached to the motion gears 61 such as bypassing through a center portion of the motion gears 61. In furtherexamples, a fixing device 59 can be provided to attach the connectionlink 48 to the motion gears 61. The fixing device 59 can be attached tothe connection link 48 such that the fixing device 59 can rotate withthe connection link 48. The fixing device 59 can be positioned adjacentto a side of each of the motion gears 61. Furthermore, the fixing device59 can be attached to the motion gears 61. As such, the connection link48 can be coupled to the fixing device 59 while extending through themotion gears 61. Therefore, as the connection link 48 rotates, thefixing device 59 will rotate as well, thus causing the motion gears 61to rotate.

The attachment between the connection link 48 and the first attachmentstructure 49 can now be explained. The connection link 48 can extendbetween the support brackets 50 with opposing ends of the connectionlink 48 passing through the corresponding openings 52 in the firstattachment structure 49. The engagement between the connection link 48and opening 52 can be sized to allow the connection link 48 to rotatewhile still being held between opposing support brackets 50. In furtherexamples, a securing device 54 can be provided to allow the connectionlink 48 to rotate within the openings 52 while remaining in engagementwith the openings 52. The securing device 54 can be attached to theconnection link 48 such that the securing device 54 can rotate with theconnection link 48. The securing device 54 can be positioned adjacent toone side of one of the outwardly projecting walls 53. Accordingly, thesecuring device 54 can rotate with the connection link 48, but canclosely abut the outwardly projecting wall 53 to prevent the connectionlink 48 from falling out of engagement with the openings 52.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the gear system 63 can further include one ormore guide tracks 62. The guide tracks 62 can be attached to a rearportion of the lifting device 36 and can extend substantially verticallybetween a top and bottom of the lifting device 36. The guide tracks 62can be attached in a number of ways, including by a snap fit means,adhesive, mechanical fasteners such as nuts, bolts, and screws, etc. Theguide tracks 62 can include outwardly facing teeth, such that the guidetracks 62 are similar in shape and function to a rack gear. There aretwo guide tracks 62 in the shown example, but more or fewer than two arecontemplated. The guide tracks 62 are shown to be positioned at opposingends of the lifting device 36. It is to be understood, however, that theguide tracks 62 can be positioned at a variety of locations along thelifting device 36. For instance, the guide tracks 62 are configured tobe attached to the storage bin 18. As such, the guide tracks 62 could beattached directly to the storage bin 18, such that the lifting device 36is not included.

The guide tracks 62 can be positioned to engage the motion gears 61. Theteeth of the guide tracks 62 can engage the teeth of the motion gears61. Accordingly, as the motion gears 61 rotate, the motion gears 61 willengage the guide tracks 62. The rotation of the motion gears 61 candrive the guide tracks 62 to move upwards or downwards. The upward ordownward motion of the guide tracks 62 can thus cause the lift mechanism32 and storage bin 18 to raise and lower as well. The engagement betweenthe motion gears 61 and the guide tracks 62 can provide force to thestorage bin 18 in a direction away from the bin mounting structure 34.Specifically, the connecting portions 40 will be pushed into a closeengagement with the guiding structures 55. This close engagement willensure that the teeth of the motion gears 61 and the guide tracks 62remain in engagement.

The bin door 20 can include the door bracket 64 (shown in FIGS. 4-6)attaching the slides 22 to the bin door 20. The door bracket 64 can beattached to a rear portion of the bin door 20 by one or more mountingbrackets, though a variety of attachment structures are envisioned. Thedoor bracket 64 can extend perpendicularly from the bin door 20. Thedoor bracket 64 can include one or more holes and can be attached to theslides 22. The holes can allow for an attachment structure, such asscrews, pins, bolts, and the like to attach the inner rail 24 to theattachment portion 37. Specifically, the inner rail 24 can be attachedto the door bracket 64 such that withdrawal of the bin door 20 can causethe door bracket 64 to pull the slides 22 out from the lower compartment12.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown the storage bin 18 in alowered position in FIG. 5, and in a raised position in FIG. 6. In theshown examples, the bin door 20 is withdrawn from the lower compartment12. When the bin door 20 is in the fully withdrawn position, the storagebin 18 can be exposed to the user, such that the user can access thecontents of the storage bin 18.

The bin door 20 can include a cover 33 that can cover any components ofthe lift mechanism 32. The cover 33 can provide aesthetic appeal as wellas covering up any moving parts and preventing some, or all, pinchpoints. The cover 33 can be removably or non-removably attached toeither the bin door 20 or the bin mounting structure 34. Further, thecover 33 can partially or completely cover the bin mounting structure34. The cover 33 can be attached such that a gap is formed between thecover 33 and the bin mounting structure 34. The gap can allow for anystructures and/or necessary parts to be positioned between the cover 33and the bin mounting structure 34. The cover 33 can include one or moreopenings, slots, or the like to allow the necessary parts to freelytravel within the lower compartment 12. Furthermore, the cover 33 cansurround the lift mechanism 32 by being attached to the bin door 20.Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lift mechanism 32 can bepositioned within the bin door 20. The cover 33 can cover both the liftmechanism 32 and the bin mounting structure 34 with the lift mechanism32 positioned in the gap between the cover 33 and the bin mountingstructure 34.

The operation of the lift mechanism 32 can now be described. First, theraising of the storage bin 18 from the lowered position (FIG. 5) to theraised position (FIG. 6) will be described. When the motor 42 isactivated, it can drive the output gear 44 to rotate in a firstdirection. The first direction can correlate to the raising of thestorage bin 18. The output gear 44 can be in operative association withthe engaging gear 45. Specifically, the teeth of the output gear 44 canengage the teeth of the engaging gear 45. When the output gear 44rotates, the engaging gear 45 is driven to rotate. As the engaging gear45 rotates, the connection link 48 will rotate. The connection link 48is held at opposing ends by the support brackets 50. Specifically,opposing ends of the connection link 48 extend through the openings 52of the support brackets 50 and are rotatably held. As the connectionlink 48 rotates, motion gears 61 can rotate as well. The teeth of themotion gears 61 are in engagement with teeth of the guide tracks 62,positioned on the lifting device 36. Accordingly, rotation of the motiongears 61 can drive the guide tracks 62 upwardly. This upward motion istransmitted from the guide tracks 62, to the lifting device 36, and tothe storage bin 18.

Next, the storage bin 18 can be lowered from the raised position (FIG.5) to the lowered position (FIG. 6). The lowering motion is similar tothe raising motion, except for the gears will rotate in an oppositedirection. To lower the storage bin 18, the motor 42 can be activated,driving the output gear 44 to rotate in a second direction. The seconddirection is opposite than the first direction, and can correlate to thelowering of the storage bin 18. The output gear 44 can cause theengaging gear 45 to rotate as well. As the engaging gear 45 rotates, theconnection link 48 and, thus, the motion gears 61 rotate as well.Rotation of the motion gears 61 can cause the guide tracks 62 to movedownwardly. Accordingly, this downward motion is transmitted from theguide tracks 62, to the lifting device 36, and to the storage bin 18.

Turning now to FIG. 7, the control of the movement of the storage bin 18can be governed using a storage bin movement control system 99. A blockdiagram is shown of the storage bin movement control system 99. Asshown, one example of the storage bin movement control system 99includes an extension sensor 106 and a retraction sensor 108 that sensewhen the storage bin 18 has been extended or retracted by the liftmechanism 32, respectively. In the shown example, the extended positioncorresponds to the upper or raised position and the retracted positioncorresponds to the lower or retracted position.

The storage bin movement control system 99 can further include acontroller 100 that is operatively connected to the first drive unit 28.When activated, either the extension sensor 106 or retraction sensor 108can send a signal to the controller 100 to deactivate the first driveunit 28, thereby stopping the motion of the storage bin 18. Morespecifically, the extension sensor 106 is can send a signal to thecontroller 100 to deactivate the first drive unit 28 when the storagebin 18 is in a fully extended and raised position. Likewise, theretraction sensor 108 can send a signal to the controller 100 todeactivate the first drive unit 28 when the storage bin 18 is in a fullyretracted and lowered position. The extension sensor 106 and theretraction sensor 108 may be limit switches that send a signal to thecontroller 100 upon contact with the storage bin 18 or the liftmechanism 32. Alternately, the sensors may be other types of sensors,such as optical sensors.

The user may activate the movement of storage bin 18 and the liftmechanism 32 in various different ways. For example, the movement of thestorage bin 18 may be directly controlled by the user using switches. Inthe shown example, the storage bin movement control system 99 mayinclude an extension switch 112 and a retraction switch 114. Theseswitches may be positioned anywhere on the refrigerator 10. For example,as shown in FIG. 1, they may be positioned on the bin door 20. When theextension switch 112 is activated by the user, the controller 100 cansend a signal to the first drive unit 28 to extend the lift mechanism 32(e.g., move it upwards). Movement will then cease when the extensionsensor 106 is activated. Likewise, when the retraction switch 114 isactivated by the user, the controller 100 sends a signal to the firstdrive unit 28 to retract the lift mechanism 32 (e.g., move itdownwards). In this case, movement will cease when the retraction sensor108 is activated. Alternately, the extension switch 112 and retractionswitch 114 can enable movement only when held down by the user. Whilethe term “switch” has been used to describe the input device, it shouldbe understood that the term, as used herein, encompasses a wide varietyof other input devices, such as pushbuttons, levers, or the like.

As described above, the extension switch 112 and retraction switch 114can be used to extend and/or retract the storage bin 18 in response touser input after the storage bin 18 has been manually withdrawn from therefrigerator compartment. To prevent operation of the lift mechanism 32before the storage bin has cleared the refrigerator compartment, aposition sensor 116 can be included. The position sensor 116 can detectwhen the storage bin 18 has been sufficiently withdrawn from the lowercompartment 12 so that it can be raised without being blocked. Forinstance, the bin door 20 can be pulled out from the lower compartment12. The bin door 20 can be either fully pulled out or near fully pulledout such that the storage bin 18 can freely be raised without strikingthe upper wall of the lower compartment 12. Accordingly, the positionsensor 116 can signal to the controller 100 when the storage bin 18 isclear of obstructions and clear of the lower compartment 12, therebyenabling movement by the first drive unit 28. In further examples, theposition sensor 116 may also be used to signal the first drive unit 28to raise the storage bin 18 by extending the lift mechanism 32automatically upon manual withdrawal of the storage bin 18. The positionsensor 116 may also detect an attempt to close the bin door 20 and pushthe storage bin 18 back into the lower compartment 12 while the storagebin 18 is still in a raised position. In that example, the positionsensor 116 can trigger the lowering of the storage bin 18 or provide asignal to the user that the storage bin 18 has not been lowered.

In further examples, the refrigerator 10 may also include a second driveunit 92 that moves the slides 22 and the storage bin 18. For example,the second drive unit 92 can automatically retract the bin door 20 fromthe lower compartment 12, thereby exposing the storage bin 18. In suchan example, the movement of the storage bin 18 along the slides 22 canbe power-driven. For example, the second drive unit 92 may be includedtogether with a second drive mechanism (not shown) that provides forceto move the storage bin 18 out of (i.e., opening) and/or into (i.e.,closing) the lower compartment 12. This may be done by applying force tothe inner rail 24 in the slides 22. The second drive unit 92 can providefor opening and then raising the storage bin 18, or lowering and thenclosing the storage bin 18 through the coordinated action of the firstdrive unit 28 and the second drive unit 92. The coordinated opening andlifting and/or closing and lowering movements can be initiated in avariety of ways. For example, it may be initiated using the extensionswitch 112 and retraction switch 114, or it may be triggered by a slightpush by the user on the bin door 20, which will either lower and closethe storage bin 18 or open and raise the storage bin 18, depending onthe current position of the storage bin 18. Further, the second driveunit 92 can be activated by a button, lever, switch, or the like. Thecontroller 100 can provide an output that governs the activation of thesecond drive unit 92.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a control interface 78 is shown that can beused with the storage bin movement control system 99. The storage bin 18can be used in place of the extension switch 112 and retraction switch114. In this example, the user can switch between an automatic mode, amanual mode, and an off mode, to enable either automatic or manualcontrol of the lift mechanism 32. To switch between automatic control,manual control, and off mode, a three position control mode switch 80may be provided that includes an off position 82, an automatic position81, and a manual position 83. In the off position 82, the lift mechanism32 will not be signaled to move the storage bin 18. In the manualposition 83, the lift mechanism 32 can move the storage bin 18 up ordown in response to the position of a two position manual control switch85, which has an up position and a down position, and operates in thetwo different modes described for the extension switch 112 andretraction switch 114. In the automatic position, the lift mechanism 32will move away from whichever position it currently occupies (i.e., upor down) until it has either extended (e.g., raised) or lowered (e.g.,retracted) completely, as registered by the extension sensor 106 andretraction sensor 108.

As described above, the lift mechanism 32 can operate if enabled by theposition sensor 116. The position sensor 116 can indicate whether thestorage bin 18 can be raised without striking an upper wall of the lowercompartment 12. The control interface 78 may also provide informationregarding whether the lift mechanism 32 is enabled, and/or what thecurrent position of the storage bin 18 is. For example, the controlinterface 78 may include indicators such as indicator lights. In theexample shown in FIG. 7, the control interface 78 includes fourindicator lights, which illuminate to indicate present status of thelift mechanism and its control system. The indicator lights include alift enabled indicator 84, and lift disabled indicator 86, a liftextended indicator 88, and a lift retracted indicator 90. The liftenabled indicator 84 can indicate whether the bin door 20 is completelyor near completely withdrawn from the lower compartment 12, such thatthe storage bin 18 can safely be raised without striking the upper wallof the lower compartment 12. The lift disabled indicator 86 can indicatethat the bin door 20 needs to be withdrawn further from the lowercompartment 12, such that the storage bin 18 can be safely raised. Thelift extended indicator 88 can indicate that the storage bin 18 hasreached a fully raised or “UP” position. The lift retracted indicator 90can indicate that the storage bin 18 has reached a fully lowered or“DOWN” position. It is to be understood that other methods andstructures of indicating the present status of the lift mechanism arealso contemplated, such as audible beeps, audible warning signals, orthe like.

It is to be understood that the storage bin movement control system 99and the control interface 78 could be positioned nearly anywhere on therefrigerator 10. For instance, in the shown example of FIG. 1, thestorage bin movement control system 99 and the control interface 78 areshown to be positioned on an upper portion of the bin door 20. However,it is to be understood that the storage bin movement control system 99and the control interface 78 could be positioned on the refrigeratordoors 16, on the front face of the bin door 20, etc.

The invention has been described with reference to the exampleembodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Examplesembodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention areintended to include all such modifications and alterations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A refrigerator, comprising: a refrigeratorcompartment; a storage bin positioned within the refrigeratorcompartment; and a lift mechanism positioned within the refrigeratorcompartment, the lift mechanism including: a lifting device configuredto support the storage bin; a guide track configured to be operativelycoupled to the lifting device; and a gear engaging the guide track,wherein rotation of the gear is configured to move the storage bin. 2.The refrigerator of claim 1, further including a drive unit applying arotational force to at least one intermediate gear.
 3. The refrigeratorof claim 2, wherein the at least one intermediate gear includes anoutput gear and an engaging gear.
 4. The refrigerator of claim 3,wherein the guide track includes a first guide track and a second guidetrack.
 5. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the gear includes a firstgear and a second gear, further wherein the first gear engages the firstguide track and the second gear engages the second guide track.
 6. Therefrigerator of claim 5, further including a connection link attached tothe engaging gear, the first gear, and the second gear.
 7. Therefrigerator of claim 6, wherein rotation of the engaging gear rotatesthe connection link, further wherein rotation of the connection linkrotates the first gear and the second gear.
 8. The refrigerator of claim1, further including a control system including a controller operativelyconnected to the drive unit.
 9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein thecontrol system includes an extension sensor configured to send a signalto the controller to deactivate the drive unit when the storage bin isin an extended position.
 11. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein thecontrol system includes a retraction sensor configured to send a signalto the controller to deactivate the drive unit when the storage bin isin a retracted position.
 12. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein thecontrol system includes a user interface with an extension switch and aretraction switch.
 13. A refrigerator, comprising: a refrigeratorcompartment including a bin door; a storage bin positioned within therefrigerator compartment; a lift mechanism positioned within therefrigerator compartment, the lift mechanism including: a guide track; agear engaging the guide track; and a drive unit coupled to the gear,wherein movement of the gear is configured to raise and lower thestorage bin; a control system operatively connected to the drive unit,wherein the control system is configured to selectively control raisingand lowering of the storage bin.
 14. The refrigerator of claim 13,wherein the lift mechanism is positioned within the bin door.
 15. Therefrigerator of claim 13, further including a lifting device configuredto support the storage bin, wherein the guide track is attached to thelifting device.
 16. A refrigerator, comprising: a refrigeratorcompartment including a bin door; a storage bin positioned within therefrigerator compartment; and a lift mechanism positioned within therefrigerator compartment, the lift mechanism including: a lifting deviceconfigured to support the storage bin; an attachment structureconfigured to be supported by the bin door, the lifting deviceconfigured to be movably supported by the attachment structure; and agear system configured to move the storage bin along the attachmentstructure.
 17. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein the attachmentstructure includes at least one guiding structure, further wherein theat least one guiding structure is configured to rotatably support thelifting device.
 18. The refrigerator of claim 18, further including anattachment structure configured to attach the lifting device to the bindoor.
 19. The refrigerator of claim 18, wherein the attachment structureincludes a guide bracket.
 20. The refrigerator of claim 19, wherein theattachment structure includes an engaging bracket attached to thelifting device, further wherein the engaging bracket is configured tomove with respect to the guide bracket.